Electric mobility is the best solution for reducing automobile emissions and dependency on petroleum but if electric vehicles are to have a significant benefit on the environment and society, they must be attractive to a wide variety of buyers, not just city dwellers.

Opel Ampera
Photo: Opel International

Now this ambitious goal has become considerably easier to reach – with the revolutionary Ampera electric car.

The majority of drivers will find an electric car, such as the Ampera, remarkably easy to accept.

Opel Ampera
Photo: Opel International

That is because in addition to a powerful, 16 kWh lithium-ion battery, it has a unique electric propulsion system that extends its driving range.
While providing all the benefits of state-of-the-art battery electric vehicles, such as zero tailpipe emissions and spirited performance, the innovative Ampera is not compromised by the typical disadvantages, such as limited range or long hours of immobility spent recharging a large battery.

Opel Ampera
Photo: Opel International

That makes the five-door, four-seat Ampera the first electric car in Europe to give owners the freedom to drive wherever, whenever they want, with no worries of being stranded with a depleted battery.

Opel Ampera
Photo: Opel International

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price throughout Europe for the base model starts at 42,900 euros, including national VAT. In Germany, with 19 percent VAT, the Ampera net price is 36,050 euros.
Because trim levels will differ from market to market, prices in each country may differ.

Opel Ampera
Photo: Opel International

Customers wishing to reserve an Ampera can register online and become an ‘ePioneer’, receiving exclusive news and a chance to test drive the electric car.

Opel Ampera
Photo: Opel International

In addition, they will be among the first to have the opportunity to own Europe’s first practical, family electric car.
Sales start in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Some competitors choose to split their offers for electric cars into two portions: a base price for the car and a leasing rate for the battery pack.

Opel Ampera
Photo: Opel International

This does make the price appear attractive because the battery leasing rate is not highlighted.
However, battery leases are paid monthly for several years, so the total cost is roughly the same as a car whose total price includes both the car and the battery.

Opel Ampera
Photo: Opel International

Opel’s pricing scheme eliminates confusion by listing the total cost of the car and battery. Opel is also researching customer preferences regarding financing and leasing schemes for the Ampera.
The company will announce these options later.

Opel Ampera
Photo: Opel International

“The Ampera defines a new class of e-mobility. No other electric vehicle provides the freedom of individual transportation as the Opel Ampera,” said Alain Visser, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales at Opel. “We have compromised on nothing. The Ampera is a beautiful car that is as fun to drive as it is packed with premium content.”

Reliable battery not disturbed by inclement weather

The Ampera is an electric vehicle that can operate in a wide range of weather climates. It is powered by electricity at all times and speeds.

Opel Ampera
Photo: Opel International

For the first 40 – 80 km, power is supplied by the electricity stored in the 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery.
While driving on electricity delivered by the battery, the Ampera drives free of gas- and tailpipe-emissions.

Opel Ampera
Photo: Opel International

Independent research found that about 80 percent of Europeans drive less than 60 kilometers per day, so the Ampera would meet their requirements.

Opel Ampera
Photo: Opel International

When the Ampera’s battery runs low, the battery can be recharged in about three hours at 230v by plugging the vehicle's on-board charge system into a standard outlet.
Because the battery can be re-charged quickly, most Amperas are likely to be driven in battery mode nearly all the time.

Opel Ampera
Photo: Opel International

If a longer trip is required, the gasoline-fueled engine/generator can seamlessly extend the total driving range to more than 500 kilometers on a full tank. This range-extending technology means the Ampera is suitable for worry-free daily use by the whole family.

Opel Ampera
Photo: Opel International

If electric vehicles are to have a significant benefit on the environment, they must be sold in high volume.

Electric cars like the Ampera – with extended range capability – are the quickest way to reach this goal because they require few adjustments in lifestyle.

Every element of the Ampera was designed and analyzed for efficiency, making the Ampera one of the most aerodynamic and energy-efficient vehicles in the market.

Opel Ampera
Photo: Opel International

Inside, the Ampera is packed with the premium content fitting for a ground-breaking vehicle. From Bose speakers to touch-screen monitors, this car brings mobility to the 21st century.

The Ampera already has won high accolades from specialists throughout the continent.

Opel Ampera
Photo: Opel International

Awards from authoritative magazines and websites include Greenest Car of the Year bywww.whatcar.co.uk
innovation trophy from L’Automobile Magazine in Franceand best electric car by Auto Świat in Poland.